TALL CYPRESS NATURAL AREA

66 acres in size. Last remaining stands of basin swamp and pine flatwoods. Tall Cypress contains a dense, continuous canopy of cypress trees that transitions to slash pines. Interspersed within this canopy are shallow willow and pond apple depressions, sabal palm heads, red maples, and strangler fig trees. The understory of sword and leather ferns, saw palmetto, swamp lily, soft-leaved wild coffee, beautyberry, and other basin swamp plants is so thick that it is extremely difficult to traverse this urban forest by foot. In terms of animal species, the site is one of the most diverse purchased through the 1989 Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) Bond program. Due to the density of vegetation and the lack of disturbance, the site is ideal habitat for heavily forested woodland species. Mammals, birds, and reptiles are particularly numerous. Tall Cypress also presents an ideal habitat for resident and migratory birds, including the great horned owl, pileated woodpecker, great egret, little blue heron, cardinal, bluejay, and many species of warbler. Among the plentiful reptiles are land turtles, snakes, and lizards. The site is also home to many species of butterflies, including white peacock, malachite, gulf fritillary, and Julia. 2090 foot elevated boardwalk with two covered overlooks, concrete trail, restrooms, interpretive signage, seating areas, and parking.